The Birmingham autism, schizotypy, and emotions study (bases)

Larson, Felicity Violet (2017). The Birmingham autism, schizotypy, and emotions study (bases). University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

This thesis is comprised of a systematic review of the role of emotional regulation in bi-polar disorder and an empirical study of factors influencing schizotypal traits, including autistic traits and emotional regulation.

The systematic review found that emotional regulation difficulties appear to underpin many different mental health problems and are not specific to bi-polar disorder. However, the studies in this area to date have varied significantly in their methodology and quality. There is a need for replication and agreed-upon methods to further strengthen findings. Particularly, it is important for studies to consider current levels of symptoms when interpreting results, rather than categorising participants into “symptomatic” or “euthymic” categories. Psychological treatments targeting emotional regulation appear to be effective for people with bi-polar disorder, but are limited in number, and this is an area of obvious future study that would benefit clinicians and patients.

The empirical paper found broad support for previous findings that there is a relationship between traits of autism and schizotypy in a group of neurotypical (n = 43) and autistic people (n = 84). Some of the autistic people had experienced psychosis (n = 25). Affective lability was also found to be a significant predictor of schizotypal traits. Perspective taking and emotional regulation style did not predict schizotypal traits, with the exception that greater use of emotional suppression significantly predicting negative schizotypal traits. Affective lability predicted experience of psychosis in autistic people, but further research is needed that includes measures of current symptoms and their effect.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):